January 24, 2022 — Today Mayor Alan Webber signed a COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation that extends the proclaimed emergency and associated orders regarding health protections. The previous version of the emergency proclamation expired at noon today.

“With the surge in Omicron cases in Santa Fe and across New Mexico, it’s as important as ever to continue doing all we can to protect the public and to limit the harms being caused by this pandemic,” said Mayor Webber. “Santa Feans have done a great job getting vaccinated so far, but we have to stay vigilant. I urge everyone to get a booster as soon as they’re able and to use KN95-rated masks in indoor spaces.”

The Proclamation updates the current status of the public health emergency while making some changes to City operations going forward. New City employees will be required to maintain an “up to date” vaccination status as a condition of employment, and five days of administrative leave will be issued to each City employee for “verified COVID-19 purposes” such as quarantine or isolation.

Mayor Webber advises residents and visitors to the City to take the following actions and/or precautions:

• Obtain “up-to-date” vaccination against the COVID-19 virus, which includes all recommended booster vaccinations. Available locations for vaccination are posted on nmhealth.org.
• Residents and visitors should get tested regularly for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status and symptoms, and when and if they have symptoms or know they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• It helps to know what type of test to get. According to Harvard Health Publishing: “PCR tests detect viral RNA. Antigen tests, also called rapid diagnostic tests, detect specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus. Antigen test results may come back in as little as 15 to 45 minutes; you may wait several days for PCR test results.”
• Symptomatic persons should isolate and obtain a “PCR” test at one of many local testing sites, searchable on the NMDOH website (nmhealth.org/directory.html).
• Asymptomatic persons should obtain an antigen test such as a self-administered saliva test, available at vaulthealth.com/nm/, at local pharmacies, or through a home-delivered COVID test ordered through usps.com/covidtest.
• Residents should sign up for “Alert Santa Fe” notifications at gov/alertsantafe.

Read the Emergency Proclamation in its entirety here.